Friday, May 22, 2009

Okay, wow. I'm kind of speechless over this one. I try and keep my posts original, so I don't like pulling stuff from other blogs, but I really couldn't help myself right now. While happily reading through some wonderful blogs on lunch, namely Knack, Mint and finally at Luphia Loves, I came across this amazing flat! The pure white is so beautiful, and I love that its so minimal, because it signifies that every object means something to the owner, rather than being just 'stuff'. Feast...

The slightly global, antique style means that you could probably collect many of these pieces over time, or scour flea market to acheive this look, upping the eco-ante!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

I'm sharing more fruits of my research for the store again with you today. You may know Rubie Green, a textile company that specializes in glam, girly and green. I was delighted to find that they have an organic bedding line now too! Great sheets, in my opinion, are a must have. There's much to be said for crisp white linens but a great pattern can dress up any bedroom. Keep in mind that sleeping in organic sheets ensure a good nights rest as they haven't been steeped in formaldehyde during manufacturing, or soaked up pesticides in the field.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I've always had this thing for textiles. I love pillows, towels, sheets, tea towels, napkins, etc... You can introduce colour, pattern, texture and interest so easily and creatively using fabrics... not to mention all the great DIY opportnities with a great fabric and a sewing machine! I've been looking for some cute kitchen textiles for the store, and I thought I'd post a few of my finds here on PGD. Use them for a great kitchen makeover on a dime!

{these are super cute - I'd bake cookies any day wearing one of these; from Etsy seller City Girl Aprons}

Monday, May 11, 2009

Okay, so it's been a while! I've been told many times how much work it is to start your own business, but until you've lived it, I don't think you can realize just how true that is! It's amazing...time seems to funnel down some black hole in my life right now...but I'm loving every minute. I wanted to make my first post back on the job about the store, but its just not quite there yet. We're open and all, but I'm waiting for some key things to arrive so I'm going to hold off sharing it with you for a few more days.......

IN THE MEANTIME...

Don't you love when you discover something totally amazing in your own 'backyard' that you never could have dreamed was there? This is exactly what's happened to me. Opening a new business has been great, I've met so many people. Of them is North on 60, a fantastic company that specializes in green design and construction. They are one of a handful of companies that are certified as FSC Recycled - an international designation that means their materials come from a previous life. How amazing!

These guys do a little of everything, from furniture, design, new builds or renos...but what struck me most was their sophisticated style with more than a little European flair. A little steel, a little reclaimed wood... call it 'urban rustic' if you will, and to make it even better, its green. It describes my design sense perfectly, which must be why I'm so attracted to them! Perhaps they say it best:

"Waste Not.

They're two words we have always lived by at North on Sixty.Our business spans the entire life cycle - from forest management, to design/build, to restoration, and everything in between. We're involved every step of the way because our philosophy is fundamentally holistic - and frankly, we love it all.Ultimately, minimizing waste is about creating harmony between people and their environment - which is the guiding principle in all that we do."

See for yourselves:

{This table came from that barn!}

{Here are some other designs - this one is my favourite!}

{but this one is pretty amazing too}

{These kitchens are pretty darn remarkable too...}

{in keeping with their waste not mantra, check out the before and after on this one}

How amazingly wonderful was all that?!

Excuse the long post, but I had a major itch in my fingers, so to speak. In other words, I'm glad to be back. Also, this post about local talent has inspired me to feature some of the other great stuff in my backyard. A reader challenged me to feature other great green design and businesses from the area, so if you're reading this now...keep reading in the next few weeks for more. And of course, don't miss out the unvailing of Sustain. Eco Living Store!